Touched by an Island
I had the pleasure of joining 120 volunteers, current and former staff, and adult campers at Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine this weekend to celebrate its 90th Anniversary. For me, and so many others, the experience of being on this 350-acre island in Musgongus Bay has been life changing.
I attended first as an adult camper in 2000, then became the director of Family Camp, and later directed the Arts and Birding program. Though I only spent a week each summer on the island, it became a deeply meaningful place in my life. It’s where I developed my passion for sketching in the intertidal zone, explored nature with countless children, gained confidence as an educator and artist, met the publisher of my book, and, for 20 years, had the privilege of sharing the island’s profound beauty, rich history, and call to stewardship with wonderful people from around the country.
It was deeply gratifying to be back on the island after several years away, hiking through its moss-carpeted forests, sporting “old man’s beard” as in days long ago, and connecting with generations of Hog Island friends. If you’ve never been, I encourage you to find your way there for one of its signature programs. And if, like me, you have been touched by the island, I hope this gallery of sketches and photos brings back fond memories.
Thank you Hog Island Audubon Camp and Friends of Hog Island for inspiring generations of educators, nature and bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and artists since 1936. Here’s to an impactful next 90!
New classes coming up! Visit the WORKSHOPS page and join me online at the Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference or Watercolor Bootcamp at Winslow Art Center.
Drawn In 
Dear Jean Mackay,
What a great time you must have had at the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine this weekend!
Touched by an Island
Yours sincerely,
SoundEagle🦅
Thanks! I enjoyed a lovely hike before a celebratory dinner. The moss-carpeted spruce forest there is extraordinary.
Hey Jean, I
Hi Rhoda- Your comment got cut off, but that’s for trying to leave one!
oh Jean! It’s really wonderful reading about how you were initially inspired as a nature educator and artist! From your photos, it’s easy to see why “Hog Island Audubon!” Your sketches and paintings from your island experiences also illustrate the love you have for the island as well, including those scrumptious sweets. Never thought of using Old Man’s Beard in such creative ways …… but it’s good you’ve never grown a mustache! Hahahha! Thanks so much for sharing a bitabout your world.
Now if you’ll excuse me ….. I must go find some sweet dessert for my Sunday breakfast!
I think I look rather good with a moustache! We used to do this at Family Camp and the kids would get a kick out of it. So, for old time’s sake! Hope your sweet breakfast was as good as the treats on Hog Is.
🤣🥰
This sounds so incredible, Jean. I would love to go there sometime. I learned about it from you. So, too, the camp in Wisconsin!
Susanne
Susanne Swing Thompson
http://www.wren-photos.com
404.660.5001
I think you would really enjoy it there. An incredible place for photography and bird study.
Beautiful post Jean. ❤️
Thanks for understanding, Darienne!
Thanks for sharing this meaningful experience. It sounds like a wonderful place.
It truly is. And the fact that it has been pioneering education and bird research since 1936 is remarkable.
This is a delightful reprise of your visits to a magical place. Hog Island is now on my list of places to visit with my camera!
Oh…you really should go! You would love the opportunities to photograph seabirds and the stunning rocky coast and spruce forest. Check out programs for 2027 when they are announced.